M.I.A. uses bootlegs for Versace collection

M.I.A.'s designs for Versace are influenced by counterfeit copies of the brand's clothing she has seen in markets around the world.

M.I.A.'s designs for Versace are influenced by counterfeit copies of the brand's clothing.

The 'Bad Girls' singer has put together a 19-piece Versus Versace range which includes T-shirts, jeans, and silk shirts for both men and women, inspired by the fake items of the clothing bearing the brand's name she has spotted in markets around the world.

She told WWD: ''The theme of counterfeits, of those that produce and sell them has always been part of the culture of M.I.A.

''When I was contacted by Versace, it seemed a great idea to invert the circle. Versace's designs have always been copied, now it's Versace that copies the copies, so those that copy must copy the copies. So this will continue.''

Preview pictures of the collection see models in bold striking patterns, with Hindi script on one black and green top and another heavily features the Versace Medusa logo in gold on both the top and bottoms.

Donatella Versace herself was impressed by the idea, saying: ''I love the energy of the street, so when M.I.A. suggested we use bootlegs of Versace, I thought it was such an incredible idea. It's fast, loud, unafraid, and brings together the worlds of music and fashion.''